Former Washington State quarterback Cam Ward was going to test the pro waters, but the Miami Hurricanes convinced him to come back to college for another year.
The standout PAC-12 quarterback, who declared for the draft on New Year’s Day, changed his mind and committed to Miami on Saturday evening. He announced his commitment on social media.
Ward said a main reason he changed his mind was to boost his NFL stock.
“At the end of the day, I think I’m a Day 1 quarterback,” Ward told The Athletic. “I think coming back to college can solidify myself.”
Ward replaces Tyler Van Dyke, who transferred to Wisconsin, as UM’s starting quarterback.
Ward spent two years at Washington State after transferring from FCS Incarnate Word. He racked up 3,736 passing yards with 25 touchdowns and seven picks in 2023. He also scored eight rushing touchdowns. Pro Football Focus gave him an 81.1 offensive grade with a 78.6 passing grade.
In addition to Ward, UM currently has four quarterbacks slated for their 2024 roster: third-year Jacurri Brown, who started Miami’s bowl game against Rutgers, sophomore Emory Williams, who suffered a season-ending injury against FSU, and incoming freshman Judd Anderson. Miami also picked up a commitment from FCS transfer Reese Poffenbarger, who has two years of eligibility
Poffenbarger, who arrived at UM from Albany, racked up 3,614 yards and 36 touchdowns last season.
✍🏾
— Cameron Ward (@Cameron7Ward) January 14, 2024
Ward was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal, and the Hurricanes hosted him for a visit early in his portal recruitment. He also visited Florida State. However, he announced his intention to enter the draft on Jan. 1, and UM secured Poffenbarger’s commitment.
Ward has one year of eligibility remaining.
Ward spent two years at Washington State after transferring from FCS Incarnate Word after throwing for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns as a sophomore.
UM players and staff members quickly took notice of Ward’s flip Saturday night. Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who announced in December that he planned to return to Miami, posted a sunglass-and-smile emoji and a fire emoji. Several coaches and staffers posted celebratory gifs, as well.
“They’ve got a lot of people returning on offense and defense,” Ward told The Athletic. “With the portal guys they’ve got coming in and the recruiting class they had, I easily think Miami can get to the (College Football Playoff) next year.”
🤩🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Coach Field (@CoachField) January 13, 2024
